Daryz retained the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, becoming the first colt since Alleged to win Europe’s richest Flat race in successive seasons.
The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained four-year-old, ridden again by Mickaël Barzalona, produced a late run to defeat the George Scott-trained Bay City Roller by more than a length. Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace finished third after racing from stall 16.
The victory repeated Daryz’s 2025 success and made him the first colt to defend the Arc since Alleged, who won in 1977 and 1978. BBC Horse Racing reported that Daryz was the ninth horse overall to win the race for a second time.
For Graffard and owners Aga Khan Studs, the result justified the decision to keep Daryz in training at four. BBC Horse Racing said that elite colts are often retired at three because of their potential breeding value, making a return bid in the Arc a comparatively unusual choice.
A late surge settles a difficult Arc
Daryz did not hit the front until inside the final furlong. The Guardian reported that Bay City Roller had contested the lead for much of the race, while Barzalona’s mount closed decisively from further back to put the result beyond serious doubt late on.
BBC Horse Racing reported that Daryz started as the 13-8 favourite and that Barzalona manoeuvred him through a 16-strong field before the colt struck in the closing stages.
Barzalona said after the race that the contest had not unfolded as expected. He described the pace as insufficiently strong and the running as rough, while adding that Daryz’s ability had made the difference when the race entered its decisive phase.
Graffard similarly said Daryz had lost position in the early stages and had been further back than intended. The trainer credited the colt’s acceleration for allowing him to recover and said he had believed beforehand that Daryz would be difficult to beat if the race went smoothly enough for him.
The winning trainer’s assessment underlined the importance of the performance. Daryz had to overcome an imperfect position yet still produced the finishing burst required to retain a prize regarded by BBC Horse Racing as Europe’s richest Flat race.
Barzalona had also partnered Daryz in last year’s Arc, when the pair needed a photo finish to secure victory. This time, BBC Horse Racing reported, the margin was more than a length, giving the defending champion a clearer success despite the complications during the race.
Bay City Roller finishes second for George Scott
Bay City Roller, trained by George Scott and ridden by Oisin Murphy, ran second from stall 15. The Guardian reported that Murphy had done well to bring the horse into contention from the wide draw, although Daryz’s late acceleration proved decisive.
The pair had met previously in the Prix Foy, Daryz’s Arc trial, and filled the first two positions again at ParisLongchamp. Sky Sports Racing reported that Daryz had beaten Bay City Roller in that preparatory race, making the repeat outcome a useful piece of context for Sunday’s result rather than evidence that the runner-up had underperformed.
Scott said Bay City Roller had produced an outstanding run and suggested the horse retained the talent and ability to compete at the highest level. The Guardian suggested that Bay City Roller seemed likely to return for another attempt next October, although that was not a confirmed campaign plan.
Diamond Necklace, Aidan O’Brien’s runner, completed the podium after a strong finishing effort from the widest draw.
Stud retirement now appears likely
The Guardian reported that Princess Zahra Aga Khan indicated after the race that Daryz was likely to move to stallion duties rather than return for an attempt at an unprecedented third Arc victory. She said the operation was conscious of the risk involved every time a horse runs and that Daryz had other work ahead of him.
No horse has won the Arc three times, according to the Guardian. If Daryz has indeed made his final racecourse appearance, his second victory has nevertheless secured a rare distinction: he has joined the small group of repeat Arc winners and ended a 48-year wait for another colt to retain the prize.